Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: Operation Freedom Paws honored at halftime of S.F. 49ers game

The 49ers also invited 16 veteran clients and their families to a “Practice Day Visit”

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

Congratulations go out to Operation Freedom Paws and its founder, Mary Cortani, who were honored at halftime of the Nov. 13 San Francisco 49ers vs. L.A. Chargers Sunday night game. Cortani was surprised when the 49ers and U.S. Bank made a donation of $20,000 to the nonprofit with OFP veteran client Morfett Flores and his service dog Loki by her side.

“It’s not often that people can surprise me but the 49ers and U.S. Bank certainly did when they presented me with that check in front of 70,000 people cheering on our organization,” she said. “I was so deeply grateful to receive such an incredible gift and to share in that experience with my veteran clients, staff, and the community.”

The 49ers also invited 16 veteran clients and their families to a “Practice Day Visit” as part of their “Salute to Service” weekend. The day included a visit to their practice facility where the clients were thanked by General Manager John Lynch, treated to breakfast, and watched the 49ers practice plays and engage in a meet and greet with them. All the veteran clients were given customized jerseys for themselves and their service dogs as well as goodie bags.

“The 49ers afforded OFP clients and their families a once in a lifetime experience that could have never happened without their efforts and generosity,” Cortani said. “It was an example of community at its very best — and a beautiful way to honor these veterans.”

In a historic vote Nov. 7, the Gilroy City Council unanimously approved a resolution to honor Cesar Chavez Day as a recognized and observed holiday for the city of Gilroy, councilmember Fred Tovar told me. He said he was honored to have championed the resolution to set aside this day to honor the legacy of this influential leader and recognize the work he did which touched the lives of so many in this community.

Many members of the community, representatives from nonprofits and other organizations came out in support of the holiday including Andres Chavez who is not only Cesar’s grandson but who also serves as the Executive Director of the National Chavez Center.

“As a first generation son of immigrant parents, I saw first-hand the struggles they went through to try and provide for our family,” Tovar said in his remarks during the council discussion. “I remember times when as children we picked apricots and other fruits in the fields to help make ends meet, so I understood the sacrifices we all had to make in order to have the best life we could here.”

Robert Rivas

Assemblymember Robert Rivas is the 71st Speaker of the California State Assembly and will assume the role of the Speaker’s office June 30, 2023.

“I am honored that my Democratic colleagues have instilled their trust in me to lead the Assembly,” said Rivas, who represents South County. “I am humbled by this opportunity. As the grandson of immigrant farmworkers, I hope to ensure the door of opportunity that was available to my family remains open for future generations. I look forward to ensuring this is a seamless and productive transition. The 40 million California residents we represent deserve nothing less.”

The Christopher High School Chamber Choir presents a world premiere choral composition titled “I Am An American,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. This multifaceted choir piece tells the harrowing story of the 120,000 Japanese American citizens imprisoned and relocated to internment camps during World War II. Commissioned by Kira Dixon, director at Christopher High School Choirs, her maternal grandparents, Roy and Eiko Shimizu, were both subjected to this disgraceful period of American history. In honoring the life and strength of her grandparents, Dixon “hopes to shine a light on the egregious injustices our country imposed on its citizens … in an effort to stay true to [her] craft of being an impactful educator, so that present and future generations grow, learn, and effectuate positive change.”

In addition to this premiere, the choirs of Christopher High School and South Valley Middle School will perform a variety of music for their annual winter concert “Journey Home” at Gilroy High School. This concert is open to the public. General admission $5. Tickets can be purchased at the door or www.chs-choir-boosters.square.site/product/general-concert-admission/4?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

To support or details, [email protected].